Co-working Belfast Plan

March 28th, 2008

Okay so the idea is to setup a not-for-profit organisation with the remit;

Bringing silicon valley thinking to Belfast by creating a cutting edge work space for digital and creative workers. It's goal is solely to improve these industries and provide a creative atmosphere to allow ideas and companies to grow in an organic way.

UPDATE: Woo! 2 more people interested that brings the total to 18.

Location Requirements

Here are some rough requirements for what I think a perfect location would be.

  • Can seat at least @confirmed-home-team-size*1.5
  • Is located in Belfast city centre, cathedral quarter, queen's quarter or the linen quarter.
  • There are several eateries, coffee shops and convenience stores within easy walking distance
  • Bicycle / Car parking, would be a definite plus
  • Has natural light
  • Does not cost the earth

Todo

There are a lot of things to do, you maybe have an idea of some more. Feel free to let me know if I've missed any.

  • Decide on a name
  • Setup a not-for-profit organisation
  • Find a suitable location
  • Approach relevant creative, arts, public, technology, investment bodies in Northern Ireland for funding
  • Get a definite list of people (home team and frequent visitors)
  • Make a list of necessary kit
  • Decide a fit-out budget
  • Find out what assets all the signed up people can bring to the organisation

The People

Here is a list of all the people who have expressed an explicit interest in a Belfast co-working space at one time or another. Totaling 16(+2) people already and I bet that I've missed out a couple of names (please tell me if that's you!), obviously not everyone will want to be one of the "Home Team" but there are a lot who just want these kind of facilities available.

Anyway, I'm really excited about the interest. With Belfast starting to have it's web revolution I'm so confident that this will be a reality and another step forward very soon. Please let mw know your thoughts and if you want to help out, think of the good you will be doing for everyone else.

7 Responses to “Co-working Belfast Plan”

  1. Andy Says:
    March 28th, 2008 at 12:12 PM

    Awesome to see you finally brain-dumping this - I'm keen to get on this as soon as possible! I may even attempt to locate the funds to become a home-teamer!

    I keep coming up with names and not writing them now. How about "Carbon"?


  2. mj Says:
    March 28th, 2008 at 02:01 PM

    Good start. I'd suggest that with 16 potentials, you examine how many will take a place or not.

    I mean - looking at that list of 16, space for 10-12 would likely be sufficient especially as the summer comes in.

    It depends how far you want to take this.


  3. mj Says:
    March 31st, 2008 at 09:48 AM

    Nothing wrong with "Co-Working Belfast" as a name.

    The rest of the questions really boil down to where you pick. Assuming everywhere can fit in seats, broadband and has a loo.


  4. James Corbett Says:
    March 31st, 2008 at 01:23 PM

    Delighted to see this getting off the grounds lads, well done! Just had a ridiculous (but fun) idea too about creating 'portals' between co-working locations island-wide by virtue of 42" plasmas running Skype Video windows to other locations for that ambient visual presence effect - http://rooreynolds.com/2008/03/12/ambient-skype/


  5. Niall Larkin Says:
    April 1st, 2008 at 10:32 AM

    Wow David. Great stuff


  6. Grace Smith Says:
    April 1st, 2008 at 10:53 AM

    Fantastic idea! This makes me wish i lived in Belfast again :-(


  7. Glenn Davidson Says:
    April 4th, 2008 at 02:08 AM

    Didn't really get to speak to you about this at the last OCC meet, but I'd be interested. Probably not enough work yet to be a full-time "Home-team"er, but having a business address and facilities would be worth it. Especially during afternoons/evenings.


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